EP2275381B1 - Device for filling drinks with CIP cap control - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for filling liquids and in particular for bottling beverages. It should be noted, however, that the device according to the invention is also suitable for filling other liquids and in particular also for filling viscous media.

Such devices have been known for a long time from the prior art. It is known, for example, that such filling devices have a multiplicity of filling elements or filling elements, which can be arranged, for example, on a rotor. Recently, it has also become known that these filling elements are rinsed in the wake of a filling process. For this purpose, so-called scavenging caps or CIP (Cleaning in Place) caps are provided, which close the filling organs for a short time, so that a cleaning medium can be passed through the filling organs.

From the DE 20 2006 006 149 U1 Such a filling device for containers is known. In this case, a flushing cap is provided, which can be rotated by a drive about a pivot axis and also along this pivot axis can be moved. The drive of these Spülkappenanordnungen in each case has a separate swing motor and a separate lifting motor. This approach works satisfactorily, but is relatively expensive due to the two each provided drive means.

The publication US 5 562 129 A describes a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 11 and in particular a filling device with integrated cleaning device. In this case, a channel which can be filled with rinsing liquid passes to the filling element. Directly below the filling element, the channel has an opening which can be closed by a closure mechanism. In this case, a closure cap of the closure mechanism, which is located laterally of the opening during the filling operation, is first moved under the opening by a mechanism controlled by a guide curve. The mechanism is additionally designed so that the cap after it has reached the position below the opening is raised and pressed onto the opening.

The object of DE 20 2006 006 149 U1 , filed with the German Patent and Trademark Office on 25.04.2006, also describes a filling device with integrated cleaning device.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to simplify drive means for such CIP caps (also referred to herein as capping means). This is inventively achieved by a device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for filling liquids in containers has at least one filling element, which fills the liquids into containers. Furthermore, a covering device is provided, which covers the filling member at least temporarily to prevent leakage of liquid from the filling member. In this case, this covering device is pivotable both about a predetermined pivot axis, as well as displaceable in a predetermined displacement direction and it is provided at least one drive means for generating the movements of the cover.

According to the invention, the drive device serves both as a drive device for generating the pivoting movement and the sliding movement of the cover and the drive device is designed such that the pivoting movement and the displacement movement at least partially offset from each other in time. Advantageously, the displacement movement and the pivoting movement are completely offset from each other in time. In this way, for example, a CIP cap can first be pivoted under a filling valve and then pressed against it.

In contrast to the above cited prior art, it is therefore proposed that only a drive device is provided, which carries out the relevant movements. The temporal offset of the movements ensures that, for example, the CIP cap can first be pivoted under a filling member and then pressed against it. Different motion profiles can be mapped, e.g. to avoid other components in the movement area with the CIP cap. Under a drive means is therefore understood in particular a the movement of the cover generating element, such as an electric motor drive, a magnetic drive element, a pneumatic drive element or a hydraulic drive.

According to the invention, the device further comprises an adjusting body which is displaceable along the pivot axis and a mechanically cooperating with this adjustment actuator body which is rotatable relative to the adjusting body, wherein a rotational movement of this actuator is in particular also produced by a displacement movement of the adjusting body.

Preferably, the cover means is pivotable at an angle which is less than 180 °, preferably less than 120 °, and more preferably less than 90 °. In this case, in a further advantageous embodiment, the cover device is arranged on a pivot arm and this pivot arm is in turn pivotable relative to the predetermined pivot axis.

It should be noted that the drive device according to the invention can also be used for other devices, for example for closers for containers, for blowing blow molds or preforms heaters.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the pivoting and the sliding movement are completely separated from each other. In this way, the CIP cap can first be pivoted to an exact position below the filling and then placed on this. However, it would also be possible that the pan and the sliding movement overlap partially in time.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the filling member has a valve (not shown). This may be, for example, a valve cone which closes or opens the filling member at predetermined times during the filling process.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a cleaning device which acts on the filling member with a cleaning liquid, which differs from the beverage to be filled. Preferably, the liquid lines for this cleaning liquid and the liquid lines for the beverage to be filled differ at least in sections from each other.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the filling member has a filling region which can be applied to an opening of the container, and two liquid channels which are at least partially separated from each other and which open into this filling region. One of these two fluid channels leads to the beverage to be filled and the other of these fluid channels serves to apply a cleaning fluid to the filling member for cleaning purposes (so-called CIP, cleaning in place cleaning). In a further advantageous embodiment, the drive device has a piston body which is movable in the direction of the pivot axis. This piston body can be designed, for example, as a piston element which is pneumatically moved.

Preferably, the device has a sleeve which is displaceable along the pivot axis, and within this sleeve a control element rotatable relative to the sleeve is arranged. About the combination of this sleeve and the rotatable actuating body, it is possible to decouple the displacement movement and the rotational movement against each other, so that they partially expire with a time delay.

In this embodiment, the said displaceable sleeve represents the above-mentioned adjusting body. However, it would also be possible that the rotatable actuating body mentioned here is itself designed as a sleeve and the first actuating body engages in this sleeve.

Preferably, this sleeve is arranged on the abovementioned piston body and particularly preferably firmly against this, d. H. it is moved with the piston body. In a further advantageous embodiment, the said actuating body is also displaceable.

Advantageously, the cover (rotatably) connected to the actuator body. This means that by a rotation of the adjusting body by a certain angle at the same time a pivoting of the covering with respect. The said pivot axis is effected by this particular angle.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one guide groove is arranged in the sleeve. This guide groove serves to effect a rotational movement of the arranged within the sleeve actuating body. Advantageously, two guide grooves are provided, which are arranged opposite within the sleeve, so that the rotational movement of the actuating body is thereby improved.

Advantageously, a projection engaging in the guide groove is arranged on the adjusting body. Since advantageous, the guide groove does not extend exactly in the longitudinal direction, but assumes a curved course, causes an interaction of this guide with the said projection that with a displacement of the actuating body relative to the sleeve can also adjust a rotation of the actuating body relative to the sleeve.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a spring element, which biases the sleeve relative to the actuating body. In this case, preferably this spring element urges the actuating body and the sleeve apart. In this way, a temporal decoupling of the rotary and the sliding movement is possible, as shown in detail below.

Preferably, said elements, i. H. in particular the sleeve (i.e., the adjusting body) and also the actuating body are arranged within a housing.

By means of the device described, it is possible that the CIP cap automatic swivel mechanism currently used in the prior art can be replaced with filling valves. In this case, on the one hand, the previously existing very long shaft can be omitted, which is required for pivoting. Furthermore, it is also possible to dispense with a device in the stationary part, which has hitherto triggered the pivoting movement via a curve.

Advantageously, the drive has a pneumatic drive means. Thus remains in this preferred embodiment for driving only a double-acting pneumatic cylinder. However, it would also be conceivable hydraulic, magnetic or electric motor drive devices and guide curves.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least one liquid channel is provided for supplying a cleaning agent, in particular for cleaning the supply line for the beverage.

There is further described an unclaimed moving assembly for moving objects, and more particularly for moving CIP caps. In this case, the drive device moves the object with respect to a predetermined pivot axis by an angle which is preferably smaller than 360 °, and the drive device moves the object along this pivot axis. Accordingly, the drive device serves as a drive device both for generating the pivoting movement as well as for generating the displacement movement of the object and the drive device is designed such that the pivoting movement and the displacement movement at least partially offset from each other in time. Advantageously, the movement arrangement is part of a system for treating containers and in particular a system which has a sterile room within which the containers are treated (for example, filled, closed or cleaned).

Advantageously, the movement device is designed in the manner described above.

The present invention is further directed to a method of covering a filler with a cover, wherein the cover is applied to a portion of the filler by a combined sliding and pivoting movement to substantially liquid-tightly close that portion of the filler. In this case, the pivoting movement takes place about a predetermined pivot axis and the displacement movement along this predetermined pivot axis. According to the invention, the pivoting movement and the displacement movement take place at least partially in different time periods and both the pivoting movement and the displacement movement are effected by the same drive means, wherein an adjustment is exhibited, which is displaced along the pivot axis, as well as a mechanically co-operating with this adjustment actuator, the opposite the adjusting body is rotated, wherein a rotational movement of this adjusting body is in particular also produced by a displacement movement of the adjusting body.

In an advantageous method, after closing the filling element, it is charged with a cleaning agent. In a further advantageous method, the drive device has an adjustment body which can be moved along the pivot axis.

Preferably, for the execution of the sliding and pivoting movement, a control element is moved relative to a sleeve acting as an adjusting body in the manner described above.

The CIP cap pivot drive described in particular here is therefore a device for automated supply of a CIP cap during cleaning. The necessary control devices and methods for automation are known to those skilled in the art and need not be reproduced here. During the CIP process, the filling valve is sealed at the outlet with the CIP cap. After cleaning, remove the CIP cap under the valve to allow the spout to empty containers. As described above, a linear stroke is carried out by means of a linear drive (for example pneumatic piston cylinder) until the CIP cap has completely moved out of the valve. When the CIP cap has left the area of the valve, the stroke swivel mechanism described here rotates without any further linear stroke from the CIP cap.

Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings:

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Anlage mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Einfülleinrich- tung;

Fig. 3a - 3c

drei Darstellungen einer erfindungsgemäßen Antriebseinrichtung zur Dar- stellung deren Funktionsweise;

Fig. 4

eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Ver- schließeinrichtung;

Fig. 5

eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Ver- schließeinrichtung; und

Fig. 6

eine Schnittdarstellung der in Fig. 5 gezeigten Vorrichtung entlang der Linie B-B aus Fig. 5,

Show:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a system with a device according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of a filling device according to the invention;

Fig. 3a - 3c

three illustrations of a drive device according to the invention to illustrate their operation;

Fig. 4

a further perspective view of a closure device according to the invention;

Fig. 5

a further perspective view of a closure device according to the invention; and

Fig. 6

a sectional view of in Fig. 5 shown device along the line BB Fig. 5 .

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system according to the invention for the manufacture of beverage containers. Here, the reference numeral 52 refers to a feeder for preforms ie here preforms are fed to a forming process. For this purpose, the preforms are heated within a furnace 54 and then expanded by means of a forming device, such as here a stretch blow molding machine 50 to plastic containers. This stretch blow molding machine 50 has a multiplicity of blowing stations, which are arranged on a blowing wheel 56.

After the production of the plastic containers they are transported along a transport device 58, which is here an air transport, along the arrow P. The reference numeral 62 refers to a sterilization device for sterilizing the plastic containers. In this case, for example, a gas such as hydrogen peroxide can be used for sterilization, but it would also be possible for other means, such as electron beams, ultraviolet light or the like, to be used for the sterilization.

This sterilization device is arranged in an insulator 64. The sterilization device is followed by a rinsing device 66, such as a rinser. The reference numeral 74 schematically indicates transport stars for transporting the containers. This filling device 66 is followed by a filling unit 72, which has a multiplicity of the filling devices described in the context of this application. Downstream of this filling device 72 is a closing device 75 to provide the containers with closures. In addition, a closure disinfection device 76 may be provided. Components mentioned herein may be in their entirety or as shown partially on a stage 78.

As mentioned, the sterilization and especially the filling of the drinks takes place here in a clean room. This means that the individual filling organs are preferably arranged within said sterile room or clean room. However, the said drive elements for the CIP caps are preferably not arranged inside the clean room but outside it. Thus, preferably, the covering device is permanently located within a sterile room, but the drives for this covering device are arranged outside said sterile room.

The present invention is therefore also directed to an arrangement for filling containers with beverages, which is equipped in the manner described above and which has a sterile room, within which the covering devices are arranged. Preferably, in this filling device, a drive device for moving the covering device outside of said sterile room is provided.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention. Here again a filling member 2 is provided, which is supplied via a feed line 44 with a liquid such as a drink. Reference numeral 42 denotes a flow meter. In addition, a valve for blocking the inflow of liquid can also be arranged in the supply line 44. The reference numeral 12 indicates in its entirety a movement arrangement for moving the (in Fig. 2 Covering device which temporarily covers or closes the filling elements. The reference numeral 14 refers to a lid which also separates the sterile area from the non-sterile area.

The FIGS. 3a-3c show three representations of the movement assembly 12 in three different states. The movement arrangement 12 in this case has a housing 32, within which the individual elements of the movement arrangement 12 are arranged. At the in Fig. 3a shown state, the cover 4 is pivoted relative to the filling member (not shown) and therefore does not cover this. At the in Fig. 3b shown situation, the cover 4 has already been pivoted with respect to the pivot axis X and in Fig. 3c the cover 4 was additionally raised.

Within the housing 32, a piston member 38 is arranged, which is displaceable in the direction of the axis X. For this purpose, a supply line 34 is provided for a pneumatic means, which acts on a piston chamber 13 and in this way accomplishes the up and down movement of the piston 38. The piston element 38 and the supply line 34 are here components of a designated 10 drive device.

The reference numeral 39 refers to sealing means which seal the piston means 38 against the inner wall of the housing 32. Via a fastening means 15 is on the piston means 38, a rod 35 and on this rod 35 in turn a (serving as adjusting body) sleeve 24 is arranged. This means that the sleeve 24 moves with the piston device 38. The reference numeral 22 refers to a control body which is arranged within the sleeve 24, wherein this second actuating body is also movable along the pivot axis X.

At this adjusting body 22, a pivot arm 18 is arranged via a connecting device 19 and on this pivot arm 18, in turn, the cover 4. The cover 4 may have a sealing member 5, which applies for sealing to the filling device. Thus, a movement of the cover 4 is coupled to the movement of the actuator body 22. At the in Fig. 3a illustrated situation, the actuating body 22 has arrived in its lowest position. On the actuating body 22, a step 23 is provided, which in turn abuts against a stop 21 of the housing 32, so that further movement of the actuating body 22 is prevented downwards.

The reference numeral 28 refers to a suspension device which urges the adjusting body 22 and the sleeve 24 in the direction of the pivot axis X apart. This suspension device is stabilized by a support body 17. Starting from the in FIG. 3a Now shown, the operation of the drive device 10 can be explained. If, by appropriate pneumatic admission of the supply line 34 of the piston 38, as in Fig. 3c shown, is moved upward, so that the sleeve 24 moves upward. An in Fig. 3a Rail 33 shown here acts as anti-rotation and causes the sleeve 24 can not rotate to the pivot axis X relative to the housing 32. However, the spring element continues to push the adjusting body 22 downwards and causes in this way the adjusting body 22 and the sleeve 24 are pulled apart. The reference numeral 27 refers to two projections which are arranged in the adjusting body 22, for example screwed in this. These projections in turn engage in two grooves 26 (see. Fig. 3b and 3c ) one. One recognizes in Fig. 3b in that this groove (as well as one of these opposite second groove) is curved, so that through this groove and the movement apart of the adjusting body relative to the sleeve or bushing 24, a rotation of the actuating body 22 about the pivot axis X seen here from above in the clockwise direction becomes. At the same time, however, the adjusting body 22 is still in its lowest position on the housing.

The reference E refers to a geometric dividing plane between a sterile area and an unsterile area. It can be seen below this level a bellows 30, which is suitable for sealing the pivot arm 18 relative to the non-sterile area. At the same time (not shown) bearing means are provided which allow a recording of pivotal movements, without loading the bellows 30.

At the in Fig. 3c As shown, the piston 38 has now been pulled all the way up. Already at the in Fig. 3b shown situation, the axial distance of the adjusting body 22 and the sleeve 24 is maximum, the projections 27 in the grooves 26 prevent further sliding apart of the actuating body 22 and the sleeve 24. This means that now in a further upward movement of the piston 38, both the sleeve 24 moves upwards and the actuator body 22. In this way, the pivot arm 18 is moved at its device 19 upwards and the bellows 30 is slightly compressed. By means of this movement, the covering device is placed on the filling element and seals it with it. After sealing the filling device, a rinsing process for the filling devices can be achieved.

FIG. 4 shows a further perspective view of a drive device according to the invention. Again, one recognizes the housing 32, as well as the supply line 34 for a pneumatic means. Also you can see here the cover itself and the arm 18 to which it is arranged. The bellows 30 can be seen in this illustration.

FIG. 5 shows a further illustration of the drive device according to the invention in a lower area.

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of in FIG. 5 shown device along the lines BB FIG. 5 , At first one recognizes in the in FIGS. 5 and 6 shown representations two screws 45, which for fixing the in Fig. 3a shown guide rail 33 serve. This guide rail 33 is longitudinally displaceable in a longitudinal groove 41 of the sleeve 24, that is movable here perpendicular to the plane of the figure. Furthermore, the two projections 27 can be seen, which in turn can move in the grooves 26. The reference numeral 17 again indicates the stabilizing body and the reference numeral 28, the spring element.

A particular advantage of the swivel mechanism shown here is that it can be swiveled with a purely linear drive (in this case pneumatic cylinder), without at the same time carrying out a proportionate linear stroke of the CIP cap. The device is particularly suitable for use in aseptic machines. A dynamic seal between a clean room and an environment is here, as I said, with a bellows 30, which may for example consist of Teflon implemented. With the present invention, large strokes and larger tilt angles are possible.

All disclosed in the application documents features are claimed as essential to the invention, provided they are new individually or in combination over the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

Einfüllorgan

4

cover

5

Abdichtelelement

10

driving means

12

movement assembly

13

piston chamber

14

cover

15

fastener

16

filling area

17

stabilizing body

18

swivel arm

19

connecting device

21

attack

22

adjusting body

23

step

24

Sleeve, adjustment body

26

groove

27

projections

28

suspension device

30

bellow

32

casing

33

guide rail

34

feed

35

pole

38

piston element

39

seal means

41

longitudinal groove

42

Flow meter

44

supply

45

screw

50

stretch

52

feeding

54

oven

56

blow wheel

58

transport means

62

sterilization device

64

insulator

66

flushing

72

filling unit

74

transport star

75

closing

76

Closure disinfection device

78

stage

e

parting plane

P

arrow

S

Displacement direction

X

swivel axis

Claims (12)

1. A device for bottling liquids into containers with at least one filling member (2), which fills the liquids into the containers, and with a covering device (4), which covers the filling member (2) at least temporarily in order to prevent the egress of liquid from the filling member (2), wherein this covering device (4) is both pivotable about a pre-set pivot axis (X) and displaceable about a pre-set displacement direction (S), and with at least one driving device (10) for producing the movements of the covering device (4), wherein the driving device (10) serves to produce both the pivoting movement and the displacement movement of the covering device (4), and the driving device (10) is designed in such a way that the pivoting movement and the displacement movement take place in a manner at least partially staggered timewise with respect to each other, wherein the apparatus has an adjustment member (24), characterized in that the adjustment member (24) is displaceable along the pivot axis (X), and has a setting member (22), which co-operates mechanically with this adjustment member (24) and which is rotatable with respect to the adjustment member (24), wherein a rotational movement of this setting member (22) is, particularly also, produced by a displacement movement of the adjustment member (24).
2. A device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling member has a filling area (16) capable of being set against the orifice of the container as well as two liquids channels which are separate from each other at least in sections and which open into this filling area (16).
3. A device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a piston member (38) which is movable in the direction of the pivot axis.
4. A device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a sleeve (24) displaceable along the pivot axis, and a setting member (22) rotatable with respect to the sleeve is arranged inside this sleeve.
5. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the covering device (4) is connected to the setting member (22) in a rotationally fixed manner.
6. A device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one guide groove (26) is arranged in the sleeve (24).
7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that a projection (28) engaging in the guide groove (26) is arranged on the setting member.
8. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that the device has a spring element (28) which pre-stresses the sleeve (24) against the setting member (22).
9. A device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive has a pneumatic driving means.
10. A device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one liquids channel is provided for supplying a cleaning agent.
11. A method of covering a filling element with a covering device, wherein the covering device is placed against an area of the filling element by a combined displacement and pivoting movement in order to close this area of the filling element in a substantially liquid-tight manner, and wherein the pivoting movement takes place about a pre-set axis and the displacement movement takes place along this pre-set pivot axis, wherein the pivoting movement and the displacement movement take place at least in part in different periods of time and both the pivoting movement and the displacement movement are carried out by the same driving device (10), wherein an adjustment member (24) is provided, characterized in that the adjustment member (24) is displaced along the pivot axis (X), and a setting member (22) co-operating mechanically with the adjustment member (24) is provided, which is rotated with respect to the adjustment member (24), wherein a rotating movement of the setting member (22) is, particularly also, produced by a displacement movement of the adjustment member (24).
12. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that after the filling element has been closed it is acted upon with a cleaning agent.

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